Alain Leroy Locke, American Author and Educator
Alain Leroy Locke (September 13, 1885 - June 9, 1954) was an American writer, philosopher, educator, and patron of the arts. In 1907, Locke graduated from Harvard University with degrees in English and philosophy. After graduation, he was the first African-American selected as a Rhodes Scholar. Locke received his PhD in philosophy in 1918. As the chair of the department of philosophy, at Howard University, he began teaching the first classes on race relations, leading to his dismissal in 1925. After being reinstated in 1928, Locke remained at Howard until his retirement in 1953. Locke is remembered for promoting African-American artists, writers, and musicians, encouraging them to look to Africa as an inspiration for their works. Locke was the guest editor of the March 1925 issue of the periodical Survey Graphic titled; Harlem, Mecca of the New Negro, a special on Harlem and the Harlem Renaissance, which helped educate white readers about its flourishing culture. He expanded the issue into The New Negro, a collection of writings by African Americans, which would become one of his best known works. In 1953, Locke moved to NYC. He suffered from heart disease, and after a six-week illness died in 1954, at the age of 68. BW print of painting by Betsy Graves Reyneau, 1943-44
